by Robert Adams (UK)
Great leaders know that without a high level of interdependence teams lack the cohesion, focussed drive and combined might to achieve great things.
But here’s the big misconception; that teams achieve more when there is a balance and an absence of conflict.
Let us first consider Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
Maslow split needs into two distinct levels.
- Deficiency needs, such as our physical needs, security, belonging and esteem.
- And higher level needs of self-actualisation and self-transcendence.
Without the lower level needs being met we will be unable to progress to the higher level needs.
However, we need more than just to achieve our deficiency needs, we need to master them. And this is the key point which too many people forget.
To have our deficiency needs met would put us in a place of balance, but for growth, we require a mastery of the interplay between the various needs. This is more akin to a Tony Robbin’s version of the 6 Human Needs where we attain growth through the interplay between certainty and uncertainty.
Source: iCN Issue 19 (Group Dynamics: Team Coaching); pages 30-31
About Robert Adams
Robert has been published in TheCulturalTimes and The Coaching Academy eBlog pages, and Author of ‘DISCover the Power of You’. Robert is also a Speaker, having spoken on art, business and self-transformational issues, from the Holyrood Arts Society, to the National Consortium of Colleges (NCC), the old Learning and Skills Council (LSC) forums, the Learning and Skills Network (LSN) events across the country, and a raft of individual institution and provider annual conferences.
He is also a highly experienced Trainer. He analyse, design and deliver learning and development programs, including a range of leadership and management aspects, equality and diversity, coaching and importantly DISC personality profiling that can focus on customer service, sales or communications.